Euclid lakefront could get state boost

With the recent adoption of a feasibility study, Euclid City Council applied for state grants Tuesday to carry forward its dream of lakefront development.

Council unanimously adopted four resolutions, which included city approval to pursue four grants totaling $670,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The grants could go a long way in setting the stage for a $30 million development of the city's lakefront near Sims Park.

"I'm pretty confident we're going to get one or two of these -- I really am," Mayor Bill Cervenik said. "Our plan is not a dream anymore. It's a concrete plan.

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"It's not going to be something that's good for Euclid, but the whole region."

The Clean Ohio Trails grant would allow the city to provide new access to Sims Park and 5,000 feet of multiuse trails. The grant also would pay for a proposed boardwalk near the park and East 246th Street, Cervenik said.

The Nature Works Program Grant would at least double the current 100-foot fishing pier located in Sims Park. Even those who do not enjoy fishing would benefit from better access to sunsets and lake views, Cervenik said.

While all the grants require a local match, Cervenik said the city has the necessary money.

JJR, a Madison, Wis.-based consulting firm, was hired to do the feasibility study and will likely work on the engineering and design of the overall plan, Council President Kirsten Holzheimer Gail said.

"They have a great track record, which is one of the reasons why we chose them," Gail said.

"Every one of the projects they worked on has come about."

Since the study was adopted, council has moved forward on buying lakefront property.

The city recently paid $400,000 to own the second of four key parcels near Harbortown apartments.

Along with Sims Park, the study focuses on the east and west end of the city, where the Harbor Town Marina would be located along East 242nd Street. The marina could include about 200 boat slips, and there was previous discussion about including restaurants and other amenities.

Cervenik said the city will find out if it received any grant money about midsummer.

Regardless of what funds Euclid receives this year, Economic Development Assistant Director Bob Gliha said the planned waterfront development will be done in phases.

"The development of the waterfront is going to be a long-term project in relation to obtaining grants and funding," Gliha said.